Kieran Tierney “chomping at the bit” for Celtic return – Brendan Rodgers | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Kieran Tierney is “chomping at the bit” to return to Celtic, while the manager emphasised his ongoing desire to maintain a strong Scottish presence within his four-in-a-row Premiership champions…

Kieran Tierney and Scotty Sinclair of Celtic celebrate their team’s third goal scored by Callum McGregor during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on April 29, 2017. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers is preparing his side for their penultimate league clash of the season with Aberdeen at Pittodrie tonight. The Irishman is completely focused on finishing the league season strongly and carrying that momentum into the showdown at Hampden for this month’s Scottish Cup final.

Kieran Tierney of Celtic with the League Trophy during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Heart of Midlothian FC at Celtic Park on May 19, 2019. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Tierney poised for a summer return to Celtic

Meanwhile, plans are already in motion for next season, with Tierney poised for a summer return and additional signings anticipated. As the recruitment team casts a wide net globally for new talent, Rodgers has made it clear he is keen to preserve a core Scottish identity within the squad.

Kieran Tierney of Celtic applauds fans after the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park Stadium on September 2, 2018. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Celtic are closely monitoring rising star Lennon Miller, while their squad already features established homegrown talents like Callum McGregor, James Forrest, and Tony Ralston and Greg Taylor who signed from Kilmarnock.

Rodgers said: “I think it’s very important. I think whatever league you’re in, if you’re in Spain, having a Spanish core would be important. Italy, an Italian core. And for me, it’s absolutely key.”

Tierney attended a Celtic FC Foundation event in London, seen here with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers. Photo Celtic FC

Tierney’s return will bolster the club’s Scottish identity, and Rodgers affirmed that the fans favourite is eagerly anticipating his homecoming.

“They’ve come through, they’re brought up in the values of Celtic.”

He said: “I haven’t spoken to him a lot of late. We’ve exchanged messages and stuff, but I know his love of the club and excitement to come back here. So, yes, I’m sure he’s champing at the bit to get back.”

Rodgers added: “The boys that have come through Celtic here, they understand what this club’s about. A lot of them have been here since young guys, and they’ve come through, they’re brought up in the values of Celtic.”

“They are really pivotal to the culture of this club. But also the likes of Greg, the other Scottish boys as well, not just the guys that have come through here. I think having the Scottish core here is key to your success.”

Kieran Tierney with the Scottish Premiership Trophy. Photo Geo: The Celtic Star

Rodgers is mapping out his summer transfer plans, eyeing three key signings prior to Champions League qualifiers kickstarting, with further additions likely if major sales arise.

“It’s been very difficult in recent times just because of the level that the team and the club is operating at.”

The 52 year-old said: “I think it’s twofold. I think you always look from within to see if there’s players within your academy that can make the step up. It’s been very difficult in recent times just because of the level that the team and the club is operating at.”

26th November 2017, Hampden Park, Scottish League Cup Final, Motherwell versus Celtic; Kieran Tierney with supporters group Green Brigade. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“There is 100 per cent a pathway for a young player here if there’s a bit of patience and a bit of development.”

“But there is 100 per cent a pathway for a young player here if there’s a bit of patience and a bit of development. But that’s your first look. Second look, of course, is outside. I’ve loved working with the Scottish players when I’ve been up here. Coming back to my first time, Ryan [Christie] and Stuart [Armstrong] and all the guys, it’s absolutely brilliant they were for me.”

Ryan Christie of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal with Kieran Tierney of Celtic during the Betfred Scottish League Cup Semi Final between Heart of Midlothian FC and Celtic FC on October 28, 2018 in Edinburgh. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

“So that’s what we do. We look homegrown to see is there anyone we feel that can improve, improve our squad or a young player that can come in and has that potential to be a starter here. So, yes, it’s always something that we cover in our recruitment.”

Conor Spence

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